Camp Director Highlights: A Taste of Camp

By: Becca Meyer

A Taste of Camp, our first session of the summer with our youngest campers, has been such a success so far. The campers are doing incredibly well, bonding together in their bunks while getting a taste of all that Camp Tawonga has to offer, and I am so pleased to share some highlights below:

Camper Growth

Every day this week, I have been so fortunate to witness the children grow together as individuals and as a community. I’ve seen campers excitedly meet each other, sing and dance together, learn new activities and support each other. It’s a constant reminder that our Mission is working: at Tawonga, children make good friends, have fun in nature and feel great about themselves, all while connecting to community and Judaism.

Supportive Staff

We have a fantastic staff! Many of them are returning staff members, as well as camper alumni. So many have shared with me how they remember the amazing counselors who supported them when they were campers. Now, they are so thrilled to be giving back, serving as caring, loving and enthusiastic role models for their campers this summer.

Partnership with Nature

Campers are appreciating and connecting to nature in our screen-free environment. From working in our organic garden to swimming in the Tuolumne River that runs through Camp, to venturing on day hikes in Stanislaus National forest and Yosemite National Park, they are benefiting from unplugging from daily technology and immersing themselves in our beautiful wilderness.

Connecting to Judaism

During “Ruach Hour” every bunk is learning about this summer’s Jewish theme – Hineini (I am here) – discussing and considering how this theme plays out in their Camp experience and lives back home. They are also able to join in for our Hebrew prayers during and after meals; and on Thursday night, all of Camp will get to experience a mock “Shabbat stroll” together to see what this festive celebration feels like at Tawonga during the longer sessions.

Closing Thoughts

On the last day of this session, units will share together their favorite memories from the week, before coming together as a community for our closing circle. I sincerely hope that over the course of A Taste of Camp, all campers became a part of our very special Tawonga community, made good friends and gained self-confidence.

It is truly an honor to serve as Tawonga’s Camp Director and to get to be a part of so many of these sweet and inspiring moments with our incredible campers and staff.

With appreciation,

Becca Meyer
Camp Director

Below are some more pictures from Camp. Stay tuned for more shots this evening!